An interview with Dr. Abigail Weissman, a psychologist and self-proclaimed “super queer.” Curt and Katie talk with Abi about how she decides which aspects of her identity (Jewish, queer, lesbian, trans-esque) she discloses with her clients and with the public. We also dig into Abi’s reactions to current events and how she gets the support she needs, while holding hope for her clients. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. We are human beings who can now present ourselves as whole people, with authenticity, purpose, and connection. Especially now, when therapists must develop a personal brand to market their practices. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age. Interview with Dr. Abigail Weissman Abigail (“Abi”) Weissman is a California clinical psychologist, earning her doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PSY 27497) with a dissertation on helping psychologists to be supporting, respectful, and effective with their transgender Jewish clients. She holds a Master of Arts in Human Sexuality studies that focused on femme lesbian identity and completed a Certificate in Sex Education. She serves as a Member At Large – Professional Practice, of the Board of Directors of the San Diego Psychological Association. She is also the Chair of the LGBT Committee for the San Diego Psychological Association. A self-proclaimed “super queer” she loves to empower others, especially those who wish they could be their full queer, transgender, religious, liberal, activist, polyamorous, and/or kink selves, but hold themselves back because they are scared they will be unloved, unemployed, and rejected by their loved ones and communities. Abi provides individual and group therapy for LGBTQIQAP-identified clients as well as training for other professionals on how to be more LGBTQIQAP-affirming in clinical practice and in business. Her pronouns are she, her hers. You can learn more about Abi and her group practice Waves, A Psychological Corporation, at www.wavespsych.com. In this episode we talk about: Vulnerability during the recent events as a member of impacted, marginalized communities Abi’s comfort level with talking about being Jewish, queer, lesbian, trans (or “trans-esque” in her parlance) How she decides how to present herself, how she tells her story, her level of safety How Abi “leans in” whenever she feels unsafe – how sharing who she is first, makes her feel safer Civil and social justice advocacy as a therapist Her hesitation to talk about LGBTQ as a single community and the problem with “lumping” them all together. The importance of hearing all the different, unique perspectives. Sitting as a leader in your therapy room and feeling vulnerable as the events in society impact you personally Holding hope for therapy clients as well as for society, and grieving for her own losses and feeling her own fears and her own despair Reflecting on the Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue shooting as well as reactions to the memo seeking to make gender binary – both how Abi is reacting personally and what she is hearing (and not hearing) from her clients Where Abi is finding her hope, healing, and getting her support The ways that antisemitism still shows up in daily life (even in small ways) Having to choose how she shows up as an activist with these intersectional needs that aren’t respected How thoughtful she is about where she lives and what she stands up and does for her community What therapists often get wrong related to LGBTQ The frequent problem of othering people within the therapist community who happen to be LGBTQ The problem with putting people as far away – and the need to bring all people closer to understand and show compassion for them (rather than fearing them) The importance of believing trans people How allies can do better in supporting LGBTQ people The conversations that can happen between all